Global Entry FAQ

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The Global Entry Program is one the trusted traveller initiatives from the United States Customs and Border Protection. It has been designed to expedite customs and immigration clearance into the United States for air travellers who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

To enrol in Global Entry, applicants must first file an application with US Customs and Border Protection. There is a $100 non-refundable fee for the application, even for infants and children (some credit cards reimburse this fee). Renewal of Global Entry requires an additional fee.

Then submit to an interview and background check. The wait for an interview may be months. During the interview, the applicant’s fingerprints are captured and a digital photo is taken.

Once an application is approved, the card is mailed to the applicant. The applicant may then use the Global Entry kiosk at any participating airport for a duration of five years past one’s next birthday following approval.

I am an American citizen who just received confirmation that my Canadian Permanent Residency was approved. I plan to arrive in a few months and just realized that I am almost out of pages in my passport (I have just two free). Should I arrive in Canada with my current US passport (and later apply for a new one) – Or should I renew my US passport before arriving in Canada (and show my old one as well)?

Renew your US passport after you land. It’s easy to do from Canada and this way you won’t create unnecessary hassles for yourself. My wife and I, who live in Maryland, USA, are travelling to Ottawa In July. We both have valid Global Entry cards. Can we use the expedited border crossing lanes when we enter Canada?

No, Global Entry is for expedited entry into the United States only. For expedited entry into Canada as well, you need NEXUS Cards. As a Canadian citizen with a permanent resident card what form do i fill out to apply for global entry?

If you have already been fingerprinted for your NEXUS card, and the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agency has your passport information on file, you are technically already a member of the Global Entry program. As a Canadian, you should remain a NEXUS member as Global Entry card holders cannot use NEXUS lanes when returning to Canada. If you wish to use Global Entry kiosks in US airports, you should check online whether you need to provide CBP any additional information to use these kiosks. If I have a US entry visa, am I eligible for the Global Entry program?

Some visa holders are eligible and some are not. Please see this list for who is not eligible. I have a criminal record but my conviction was years ago. Can I become a Global Entry program member?

No. A criminal conviction disqualifies you from being ?low-risk? traveler in the eyes of the Customs and Border Protection agency. Applicants should obtain a pardon before applying. How much does it cost to join the Global Entry program?

You must pay US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) USD $100 to join Global Entry. This is submitted via credit card at the time you apply. If you are denied access to the program the fee will not be refunded. The fee covers 5 years of membership after which time you must renew your membership and pay another CBP fee. I have heard that NEXUS card holders can apply for the Global Entry program without paying any fees. Is that true?

Yes, most NEXUS card holders are eligible. US citizens and permanent residents are eligible and now Canadian citizen NEXUS card holders can apply for the Global Entry program. Canadian permanent residents with NEXUS cards cannot yet apply for the program. You will need to get fingerprinted and submit your passport. Customs and Border Protection already has this information, you should be already part of the program. Please log on with TTP (the Trusted Traveller Programs website) to make sure. I am a Global Entry program member. My passport is due to expire and I will be renewing it shortly. Will this affect my Global Entry membership?

Yes. You must notify a Global Entry Enrolment Center immediately or go online to your TTP account and make the change there. What happens at the Global Entry interview?

The interviewing officer will go through your application to verify there are no basic errors and will ask you some questions mainly about how often you travel and your reasons for doing so. You must show original documentation of your passport, driver’s license and PR Card if relevant. You must also take along your conditional approval letter inviting you to interview. Once your documentation is verified your fingerprints will be digitally scanned and your photograph taken. The officer will then inform you if you have been admitted onto the program or not. I frequently travel with my wife and children. Are they covered by my Global Entry membership?

No. Each member of your family must make an individual application onto the Global Entry program. Children must be aged 14 or over and must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to join. As a Global Entry program member, can I fast track immigration and customs in any other countries?

At the moment you can only expedite entry into the Netherlands at Schipol Airport in Amsterdam using the Privium lanes. You can only do this if you enrolled for FLUX benefits as part of your Global Entry application. You must then attend two separate interviews with border officials from the Netherlands and the US. Do I have to be a frequent traveler to apply for the Global Entry program?

No. Whilst the Global Entry program works well for frequent fliers, it is not limited to them and there is no minimum number of trips that you have to take to qualify. How do I get a Global Entry sticker on my passport?

You must visit any Global Entry or NEXUS center to have a sticker attached to your passport. I attended my Global Entry interview over 3 weeks ago but I still haven’t received a membership card.

Membership cards have only been issued as part of the Global Entry program since July 12, 2011. If you applied before this date, you must request one via the online application system. It will cost $15. If you applied after this date, you should have received your card within 2 weeks of your approval. The card is only necessary if you wish to make use of NEXUS or SENTRI lanes.